Global Chlorine Market is expected to witness robust growth as Spanish Chemicals Giant Ercros S.A. Completed Expansion of its chlorine-caustic soda plant in Vila-Seca I factory

 

Chlorine is the most common oxidizing agent used in public water supplies. With the US Public Health Service (PHS) recommending that the public water systems across the United States be tested for this hazardous chemical, the number of people who are aware of the hazards posed by exposure to chlorination has dramatically increased. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is responsible for defining the human cancer risk associated with exposure to this compound. Because of this exposure, the role of chlorination in controlling water quality should be seriously considered.

Rapid growth of the chemical industry in both developed and emerging economies is expected to drive growth of the global chlorine market. The chemicals sector has witnessed massive growth with increasing demand for various chemical end-use industries. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian chemicals sector is expected to reach US$ 300 billion in 2025, registering an annual growth rate of around 15-20%. According to the same source, organic and inorganic chemicals export accounted for US$ 13.85 billion from April to November 2020. Chlorine has diverse applications, typically being used as a disinfectant. It is used to treat drinking water and swimming pool water. Besides, it is used to make numerous consumer products such as paints, paper, textiles, and insecticides. Hence, these factors are expected to drive growth of the global chlorine market. Furthermore, increasing demand for PVC from the construction sector is expected to propel the global chlorine market growth in the near future.

However, negative environmental impacts and energy-intensive operations are expected to restrain growth of the global chlorine market. Rapid developments in emerging markets such as China, India, and Japan can present lucrative growth opportunities for industry players in the near future. Among regions, Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the global chlorine market. This is owing to increasing demand for PVC in automotive, construction, and packaging sectors across the region. Besides, rampant growth of chemicals sector is expected to boost the regional market growth. Furthermore, North America is expected to register a robust growth rate, owing to growing shift from mercury-based production to membrane-based technology in the region.

Key companies involved in the global chlorine market are Nouryon, Tosoh Corporation, BASF SE, Tata Chemicals Ltd., Ercros S.A., OLIN Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY), FMC Corporation, and Hanwha Chemical Corporation.

For instance, in October 2019, Ercros S.A., a Spanish chemicals company, expanded its chlorine-caustic soda plant in Vila-Seca I factory with a new electrolyzer.